I was sitting two thirds of the way up in the sanctuary. That night the church would gather, and people were on different sides of a situation, which means conflict. I was grateful the issues were not about me. It is always easier to lead a “hot moment” when you are not the reason for the “hot.” When people arrived… Read more »
I’ve written a number of posts about conflict, getting hooked, etc. My discovery is that leaders can LOSE LEADERSHIP in those moments that may never be regained. Conflict management (not conflict avoidance) is a significant leadership skill. How do we lead “hot moments” full of emotion and high stakes? 1. Get yourself to emotional neutral so that you are not… Read more »
It is not uncommon for me to hear the Lord speak to me. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice…” Obviously He has a voice, and that voice can be heard. Sometimes it comes in scripture reading. Other times in prayer. And then there are times when Jesus just seems to speak. July 30, I created extra time to meet… Read more »
Joshua 1-2 Authority How does Joshua gain authority? He earns it in his serving with Moses. Leadership can be given, but if not at first it is eventually earned when people see the heart(s) of the leader(s) over time. Joshua was viewed as serving with Moses, serving Moses, and connected to the move of God How can you, and those… Read more »
I knew the conversation would be hot, filled with emotion and “sides”. In preparation, I sat with the Lord to quieten my soul. A key factor in “hot” moments is the ability to listen. When our emotions run high, reaction typically trumps responding. As I sat in reflective prayer, the Lord put in my heart John 17. This is considered… Read more »
Recently I walked through a season of great intensity. Lots of work, and the work itself was emotionally intense. What I discovered was that the intense season around me had finally gotten inside of me… and I was walking intensity. I observed my impatience with others, my “shortness,” and realized the season was now shaping my heart and soul. I… Read more »
Leadership is influence. When leaders lead, others are influenced…for good or bad. The source of that influence is the focus of this lesson. Leadership begins when we lead ourselves, when we live a life worthy of our calling and lead out of that inner world. Here is a frightening truth: THE FOLLOWERS ALWAYS EXPERIENCE WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE… Read more »
Mike Breen has identified 2 factors in discipleship (development of others into the image of Christ): invitation and challenge. Invitation carries with it hope, relationship, and being seen as a person worthy of investment. Challenge flows from invitation. Challenge can be calling up or calling out. Either way, challenge is most effective when rooted in the relationship of invitation. We believe that bringing challenge is best… Read more »
I would guess that if we asked a group of people to identify leadership traits you would hear traits like: -vision -follow through -passion -etc. The key trait for leaders in “hot moments” is gentleness. Gentleness is not softness. It is not weakness. It is the in the scripture, “power under control.” Gentleness is the picture of a horse that… Read more »
If conflict seems to get us emotionally hooked, the next question is – how can we avoid the hooks so as to lead powerfully when hurt words are said, when hurtful actions are taken, when the shift of focus is now on us as leaders rather than the agenda that was so important? One way is to keep listening and… Read more »